Why Holidays Are the Best – Yes, Even For Bartenders

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The holiday season is upon us, and you’re bumming because you’re going to miss yet another Thanksgiving or Christmas with your family (maybe even both!) because you have to work.

Sound familiar?

I know it’s hard being away from family serving other people this time of year, but I would argue the holiday season is actually one of the best times to be a bartender — even if it means you miss out on spending time with your loved ones.

Here’s why:

1. You Get to Make a Positive Impact on Other People’s Lives

Not everyone has a family to retreat to, and that reality makes the holiday season particularly hard for some people to face. Also, a lot of people travel for work this time of year or might be too far away from family to go home.

Luckily, as a bartender, you’ll have the opportunity to serve some of these people and give them the priceless gift of true hospitality by welcoming them into your bar with a warm smile, striking up an engaging conversation and crafting up delicious drinks while you’re at it.

Never underestimate the power of kindness, it always has a lasting and positive impact — especially right now.

2. People Are More Generous

Hello Santa Claus!

Have you ever noticed when the holidays (especially Christmas) near, people tend to let out their inner St. Nick and become more generous to those around them?

Well, this is GREAT news for you as a bartender because it means customers will be tipping you more than usual!

Of course there’s always a Mr. Grinch lingering somewhere in the mix, but the grinches of Christmastime tend to be few and far between.

Now is the time to enjoy a bar full of jolly customers while making enough money to carry you through the slower months that follow!

3. People are More Pleasant

Are you ready to see a unicorn with your own eyes?

Well, look no further than your bar during the holiday season. You’ll notice it’ll be packed with carefree, happy and lighthearted customers who are patient and content from start to finish.

This is one of the BIGGEST perks of working during holidays (aside from the tips!) — people are just nicer, period.

4. Four Words: Halloween, New Years Eve

Hello, dollar dollar bills!

Halloween and New Years Eve are a bartenders winning lottery ticket so do yourself (and your bank account) a favor and make sure you’re available to work both of these shifts — you won’t regret it!

If you work at a venue that doesn’t promote/celebrate one or both of these holidays, make sure you request the days off so you can find a place to guest bartend.

You’ll be rolling in dough for weeks to come, and might even be able to set aside from of your earnings for a nice vacation when things settle down early next year.

5. Lucrative Holiday Parties

If you live in a busy area with lots of companies nearby, chances are your bar is going to be booked for 6 to 8 weeks with various company parties aka cash machines.

Holiday parties are amazing because you know exactly what to expect (thanks to a previously agreed upon contract), can project how much money you’ll be making per party and will be serving people who are ready to drink and aren’t budget conscious.

Can you say cha-ching?

So get ready to prepare some delicious holiday cocktails and work lots of fun events!

Now you know why working the holiday’s isn’t all bad, in fact, it’s mostly good! By working during the holidays you’ll be making lots of money, having fun and proactively preparing for the slower season that follows — and that’s something to be grateful for!

Antasha is seasoned bartender with more than seven years of bartending and hospitality experience. She is also a spiritual writer at cajspirituality.com, where she writes free, easy-to-digest and highly actionable advice on spirituality, mindfulness and empowered living. You can follow her on Twitter @cajspirituality for daily inspiration.